ASSESSMENT OF EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION AMONG STUDENTS OF HIGHER INSTITUTIONS IN ADAMA TOWN

Abstract

Background: In Ethiopia, Emergency Contraception (EC) could play a critical role in reducing consequences of unprotected sexual intercourse especially in adolescents and students such as unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions, but very few people are aware about and practice it. Methods: A cross-sectional institution based quantitative survey was carried out, using structured, anonymous self-administered questionnaire among students of higher institution in Adama town, East Oromia, central Ethiopia on March-April 2010 to determine level of awareness, basic knowledge and practice/ utilization of EC and determinants to basic knowledge and practice/utilization to EC . A total of 830 students from both sexes were involved in the study. level of basic knowledge and Magnitude of utilization of EC was calculated using frequencies and logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals on determinants of basic knowledge and utilization of EC using SPSS statistical packages. Result: Among all students 592 (71.5%) (95% CI 66.6 - 76.0%), students said that they have heard or aware about emergency contraceptives. But only 241(29 %) (95% CI: 27.1%, 36.5%) of the students have basic knowledge of EC specifically on correct timing of administration, on its indication and on the name of the most common brand available in the market. media was the most common source of information for those who are aware about EC, which account 32.3%, whereas for those who have basic knowledge on EC school/collage was cited as the main source of information which account 14.3%. Regarding Utilization, only 118 (14.2 %) (95% CI 12.3%- 19.9%) had ever used EC before .When asked about the specific types of EC they have ever used, 64 (54.2%) mentioned pills and 16 (13.6%) mentioned Intra Uterine Contraceptive Devices (IUCDs) and 32 (27.1%) mentioned other methods. Students on health and related courses, senior students, students who have elder age, students who are living with their parents and ethnically Amhara students have relatively higher level of knowledge on EC than their counterparts, and the trend of EC practice is higher for Female students compared to male students to their partners, students who have positive attitude to EC, students who are attending non health related courses, students who are followers of Christian orthodox , unmarried or never married students and relatively younger age students. Conclusion: The study has shown that there is low level of basic knowledge and practice/utilization of emergency contraceptives among university and college students. Therefore, it is recommended that EC needs due attention and remedial action from policy makers, college Officials, non-governmental organizations, parents, students and other concerned bodies. Programs aimed at EC must address these identified factors or correlates EC.